Michail Antonio brace gives West Ham Europa Conference League victory at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus

A brace from Michail Antonio gave West Ham a 2-0 win in Cyprus against AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League.

After a slow start to the match, West Ham took the lead after 36 minutes. Said Benrahma fired in a fantastic cross and Antonio was on hand to brilliantly head home.

Less than 10 minutes later Antonio had the ball in the back of the net once again. He received the ball around 20 yards out before using the defender as a screen to curl a fantastic effort into the top corner.

Just two minutes into the second half Antonio was denied his hat-trick. He struck an effort with his left foot which cannoned off the far post and back into play. It was a goal that would have taken him clear at the top as West Ham's all-time top scorer in Europe.

The hosts pushed forward in the second half in search of a goal to make things interesting but never really troubled the Hammers. David Moyes' side put in a thoroughly professional performance to win the match, all without really having to get out of first gear.

West Ham United's adventures in Europe this season have been somewhat of a welcome distraction. Six wins from six in the Europa Conference League group stage and now a comfortable 2-0 away win in the round of 16, it's form that is a far cry from their struggles in the Premier League. This professional and controlled performance should give West Ham much-needed confidence to take into the Premier League. It was a night where West Ham could make all five substitutes and give minutes to those who haven't featured as much, as well as giving a rest to those who have. Domestically they sit just one point above the relegation zone and will be desperately hoping they can take their European form into Sunday's clash with Aston Villa.

Michail Antonio's two moments of magic were the difference on the night. His first goal was an expertly taken header and his second was a curled finish that West Ham fans will be watching back over and over. In a match where West Ham didn't really need to be anything above professional, it was Antonio's class that helped them get them over the line.

AEK Larnaca: Piric 6, Casas 6, Milicevic 6, Tomovic 7, Englezou 7, Ledes 7, Mamas 6, Rosales 6, Oier 6, Jakolis 6, Lopes 6 Subs: Christoforou 6, Altman 6, Faraj 6, Trickovski 6, Nikolics 6

West Ham United: Areola 7, Cresswell 7, Aguerd 7, Zouma 7, Kehreh 7, Downes 7, Rice 7, Benrahma 8, Lanzini 7, Fornals 7, Antonio 8 Subs: Bowen 6, Soucek 7, Paqueta 5, Cornet 6, Scamacca 6

30' WIDE OF THE TARGET! - West Ham have their first real chance of the match, Antonio does brilliantly to find Fornals who plays it into the path of Lanzini who drags his shot wide. Encouragement for the visitors.

36' GOAL - WEST HAM UNITED - What a fantastic header from Michail Antonio and West Ham are ahead! The first moment of real quality from either side. Benrahma fires in a cross and Antonio diverts his header into the far corner.

45' GOAL - WEST HAM UNITED - What a superb goal from Michail Antonio. A sensational finish! He receives the ball around 20 yards out, takes a touch before bending it into the top right-hand corner. That is a wonderful finish.

47' SO UNLUCKY FOR ANTONIO! - Michail Antonio latches onto a pass before striking the post with a left-footed effort. That would have been the perfect hat-trick after having already scored with his right foot and his head!

88' DENIED BY THE GOALKEEPER! That really should have been 3-0. Lucas Paqueta runs clean through with the ball but sees his effort saved by Piric.

The Hammers have now won more games in the UEFA Europa Conference League (7) than the Premier League (6) in 2022-23. (Stat via Opta Analyst)